Work Bloghttp://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:52:38 +0000en-USSquarespace V5 Site Server v5.13.511-311 (http://www.squarespace.com)Supersprint Hubs Now Available!Merlyn MechanicsSat, 09 Feb 2013 19:51:41 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2013/2/9/supersprint-hubs-now-available.html968413:12077851:32771902At long last Victoire's beautiful Supersprint track hubs are finally available. And in some interesting colors as well. While the stock colors are Black Silver and Grey shone here is Brown. Other colors are available such as blue, red, orange, yellow, green and yes even purple. There is a small up charge for colors other than the the stock colors. And as always they have their customary 6/4 titanium bolts, stainless washers and 7075 Aluminum lockring.

MSRP per pair is $550. Available as wheels only with a verity of rims. Dealer inquires Welcome and encouraged!

]]>http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/rss-comments-entry-32771902.xmlSubliminal Customer ServiceMerlyn MechanicsSun, 06 Jan 2013 14:28:44 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2013/1/6/subliminal-customer-service.html968413:12077851:32481381Here at Merlyn Mechanics we have a sleep in policy on Mondays. So we usually sleep till noon. We do this because we can and because most people wish they could. Think of it as some kind of subliminal customer service. Be well!]]>http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/rss-comments-entry-32481381.xmlBetween Christmas and New YearsMerlyn MechanicsSun, 30 Dec 2012 00:56:35 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2012/12/29/between-christmas-and-new-years.html968413:12077851:32297649In this time between Christmas and New Years we at Merlyn Mechanics find it difficult to be serious about the way we spend our time. Real business will resume after the New Year. We did clean the shop and watch a bunch of movies and slept late. But some time last night we became obsessed with Leslie Hall videos. So we thought we would share... Have a look.]]>http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/rss-comments-entry-32297649.xmlNew T-Shirts AvailableMerlyn MechanicsTue, 23 Oct 2012 02:44:28 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2012/10/22/new-t-shirts-available.html968413:12077851:30024648The new Merlyn Mechanics t-shirts are now available. They are dark green with grey lettering. (See photos) And 100% cotton. Made in the Americas (not China). It's possible that you could have seen these shirts already if you were in any of the following places, Las Vegas, Chattanooga, Philly, Texas, San Fransisco, Jacksonville FL and Austria.... If not then perhaps you should get one of your own. Click here to order. ]]>http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/rss-comments-entry-30024648.xmlJust because someone carries a wrench doesn't make them a mechanicMerlyn MechanicsFri, 03 Aug 2012 02:06:42 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2012/8/2/just-because-someone-carries-a-wrench-doesnt-make-them-a-mec.html968413:12077851:21165323Race bikes need to be built right the first time. Really all bikes should be built this way as well, but I will limit this conversation to race bikes for now. Race bikes are expected to go faster, and have fewer problems than other bikes. This is not always the case. It often depends on who builds the bike. It’s also very important that the racer has full confidence in their bike. Confidence that it was built right the first time, by someone who knows what they’re doing. If the rider loses confidence in their bike, because it breaks without a crash, or the mechanic either forgot to make it right or didn’t know how to make it right in the first place, then the rider will not race to the full limit of their ability, and subsequently probably lose the race. We don’t race to lose; we race to win. Right?

One mistake that shops often make is thinking that they know more about the bike than the rider. And that if the rider isn’t building it themselves, then they don’t know how the end product should look or function.

Today a racer brought their bike to my shop because they had lost confidence, not only in their bike, but in the mechanics that worked on it previously. That shop/mechanic apparently had no idea what in-line cable adjusters are. So they covered one of them with bar wrap. Then left the other one uncovered, but too close to the handlebar to be used effectively, if at all. Also bar tape should be neat, clean and consistent. The electrical tape that we use to finish the wrap should be an even distance from the stem and wrapped the same way on both sides. I always start and end the wrap, and the tape, under the bar to keep things neat. Sometimes I’ll add a strip of color within the tape to tie the bar to the bike color wise. I also used 18” less wrap, on each side, than the previous ‘mechanic,’ because I pulled it tight enough that it won’t unravel in a few rides. The other mechanic left gaps in the bar wrap in various places, which left a sloppy appearance.

I think if you are going to take the time to learn how to work on bikes, you should learn how to do it right. If you don’t know how, or are just unsure, then you should ask someone who does. There is no shame in asking or learning. Having low standards is the same as having NO standards. I can’t let crappy work out the door. My conscience won’t let me. Plus I don’t want anyone getting hurt riding my work. One would think this would be true of all mechanics. Or you would think that the shop owner at least, would think this way. This is apparently not the case. Unfortunately for the rider, there is no way of telling if the person carrying the wrench is really a mechanic, or even if they are any good. All the certifications in the world isn’t enough to make one a good/great mechanic. In some cases, reputation isn’t a good reference either. Reputation at times is the impression of a person, with either a low standard, or a person who has never experienced a really good mechanic. Sadly in many cases, finding a great mechanic comes down to trial and error. The exception may be getting the opinion of several people from a variety of cycling forms.

I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you....

]]>http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/rss-comments-entry-21165323.xmlLubing Your Chain - How not to piss off your mechanicMerlyn MechanicsThu, 03 May 2012 17:04:12 +0000http://merlynmechanics.com/work-blog/2012/5/3/lubing-your-chain-how-not-to-piss-off-your-mechanic.html968413:12077851:16111309I must say that the amount of lube on peoples chains of late kind of makes me wonder who is giving the directions for applying lube to chains, or if anyone is. The idea is to lube your chain but not put on so much that it will drip off your chain or splatter all over your wheels and legs. The other problem with too much oil is that it attracts dirt and dust and all around road grime. This not only makes your chain dirty but it pisses off your mechanic because it makes him/her dirty too. Dirty chains wear out faster as well.

During a race in NY I stopped for a rider who had dropped his chain. He had enough lube on his chain to last him and everyone he knew for the rest of their lives. It was wet and jet black. He argued with me about getting off his bike so that I could safely and quickly get his chain back on. I always win that argument. A few seconds later I told him to get back on his bike and ride. Normally we give the rider a nice push to get them started. And that guy was no exception. There is more than one disadvantage to a head to toe white kit. He looked great riding off with a jet black handprint on his lower back.

When lubing a chain on a bike I use Dumonde Tech lubes. They work the best and they make lubes for many bicycle applications. I put a drop on the top of each link. I then pedal the bike for about 2 minutes. I then pour some rubbing alcohol into a clean rag then pedal the bike with the rag around the chain. It only needs to go through the rag a few times. This removes any lube on the outside of the chain. Chains work best if the lube is on the inside of the chain and not on the outside. One does not need to lube ones chain more than once every 2 to 3 weeks. If you get caught in the rain then you may want to lube it when you get home but go ahead and wipe it off with rubbing alcohol. Don’t worry it won’t rust. So don’t be that guy with the handprint on his back. Lube your chain right the first time.

Spokes! We custom cut all the spokes that we use. Threading is done by rolling. Rolled threads are used for two reasons. First, since the thread is formed by rollers, not cutters, the resulting metal is stronger. The metal grain structure has been realigned rather than interrupted. Second, a cut thread reduces the average diameter and strength of the wire. Since no metal is removed from a rolled thread, the wire’s strength is less diminished. If the wire’s strength were to change abruptly at the thread, a weak spot would be created.

We sell Wheelsmith 14/15 gauge double butted stainless steel spokes in lengths from 245mm through 310mm. We can also cut in half mm increments. So for example if you want 296.5mm spokes then we can create that for you. If you only need 16 or 20 or 44 we will sell you just the number that you need. No more boxes of 18 sitting around on a shelf gathering dust. Call for dealer pricing. 15/16 gauge is also available. Most orders will ship the same day we receive payment.

We can also have spokes powder coated in one or two colors. If you want particular colors for one or two of your spokes or all of them we are happy to work on that with you to make your wheels all the more distinctive.

Here is why we prefer Wheelsmith spokes over all others.

Spokes must possess exceptional qualities to work optimally. They are exposed to extremely corrosive conditions and severe cycles of loading and unloading—from near breaking tension to zero tension, often many times per second. Even the smallest of surface imperfections can lead to the failure of a spoke. Wheelsmith spokes are made from ultra-grade stainless steel which is progressively drawn and heat treated to produce a fine gauge wire. The drawing process, performed at room temperature, produces tremendous tensile strengths and leaves the wire with a lustrous and extremely smooth finish.

Wheelsmith spokes are “cold headed” with great accuracy, and marked with the distinctive “W”. Elbows are formed over a radiussed mandrel rather than a flat surface as with other popular spokes. This results in a larger bend radius, and preserves the round cross-section of the elbow. Consequently, Wheelsmith spokes require a minimum of bending to conform to a hub, thereby maximizing fatigue life.

Wheelsmith’s double-butted spokes are extremely light. The center sections are forged rather than cut, ground, or drawn to smaller diameter, giving them greater strength and uniformity. The butt transitions are visible and distinctive so you can quickly tell them from the straight gauges.

Wheelsmith nipples are precision forged from high-grade brass or 7000 series aluminum. Their strength is enhanced by forging the spoke wrench flats, keeping them full-width and very uniform. All Wheelsmith aluminum nipples are anodized to guarantee maximum strength and service life.

Wheelsmith nipples have more threads than others. Each Wheelsmith nipple holds a full 8mm of thread, 33% more than our major competitors’ nipples. The extra threads are in the region of the spoke wrench flat, reinforcing the flats and making collapse less likely. This additional threading also benefits wheel assembly since each nipple catches the spoke earlier, leaving more slack during lacing. The Wheelsmith nipple is 1mm longer than others. This, combined with the extra threads, makes it less sensitive to spoke length estimates. The threading is far less likely to show once a wheel is finished.

(CHATTANOOGA, TN — MARCH 27, 2012) Merlyn Mechanics, a custom wheel building company and cycling focused based business in Chattanooga, TN, launched two years ago as the brainchild of seasoned pro race mechanic, Merlyn Townley. With 30 years experience in the cycling industry and one of only 11, category-one, licensed bicycle race mechanics worldwide, Townley creates artisan custom bicycle wheels, “built-to-order,” for cycling fanatics, bike shops, manufacturers, frame building companies and their customers.

With a streamlined new look, new products and an online blog, Merlyn Mechanics now has a new online home at merlynmechanics.com.

“We wanted a cleaner look for the website that could really showcase the unique builds that we create, as well as a platform for sharing industry news, mechanic tips and other projects that we are working on,” said Townley. “I’m really looking forward to creating unique content and sharing it with bike lovers. We’re working on video content, industry commentary and offbeat stories from around the cycling community.”

Working both as a bicycle mechanic since 1982 and providing neutral support for over 1,000 national and international races, Townley has represented companies such as Mavic, Shimano, Pedro’s, Campagnolo and SRAM NRS. Merlyn is also the originator of neutral support for Cyclo-cross worldwide according to the Union of Cyclists International (UCI). He has also served as a mechanic/team manager for over 20 teams worldwide, including the Dansko Woman’s Pro Team, the MG X-Power Cycling Team, Australian, U.S.A., Japanese and Rwandan National Teams.

Over the years we have observed what works for us and what doesn't. We’ve all heard “pay no attention to the man behind the curtain,” but often times, that man is the mechanic,” Townley went on to say. “A bicycle race mechanic is the first line of defense on the last frontier … and often the most underappreciated person in the game. But a racer who wants to win, increase speed and efficiency has everything to gain. A seasoned mechanic has the skills to make the most rudimentary of bikes sing.”

And Merlyn Mechanicsis working to bring the “OZ” of bicycle maintenance from behind the scenes onto the full stage.

“Maybe the average rider doesn’t think about the mechanic. They’re focused on what they can afford. The mid-level rider is thinking ‘What’s the best product for my budget?’ A pro rider, with a sponsor, is thinking ‘what’s the best strategy to win?’ But in all scenarios they’re thinking: ‘How can I make what I’ve got better?’ We realize the cycling industry wants to sell certain things,” said Townley. “We are more interested in selling what is right for the customer, over what’s trendy.”

Buying a bike or fancy wheels from a top-shelf bike line doesn’t always help you win the race. A seasoned mechanic can enhance even the most rudimentary bike or wheels. “Walk into any shop and there are some great racing tools available, but a good mechanic can make that frame or wheelset even better. They’re going to tweak this and that, until it’s the perfect winning machine,” said Townley. “It’s a combination of talent and tools. I say the racer with the best mechanic wins!”

Merlyn Townley has 30 years experience in the cycling industry and has been a specialist in neutral support for bicycle racing since 1988. Working both as a bicycle mechanic since 1982 and providing neutral support for over 1,000 national and international races, Merlyn has represented companies such as Mavic, Shimano, Pedro’s, Campagnolo and SRAM NRS. Merlyn is also the originator of neutral support for Cyclo-cross worldwide according to the Union of Cyclists International (UCI). He has also served as a mechanic/team manager for over 20 teams worldwide, including the Dansko Woman’s Pro Team, MG X-Power Cycling Team Australian, U.S.A., Japanese and the Rwandan National Teams. In addition, Merlyn served as head mechanic for the Odyssey 2000 cycling tour, a one-year, worldwide cycling expedition that encompassed 45 countries on six continents with 250 riders. Additional races include Mountain Bike World Championships, the Tour of Canberra, Paris/Brest/Paris, the Harold Sun Tour and the Cape Epic, among many others. One of only 11, category one licensed bicycle race mechanics worldwide, Townley has also organized and taught the East Coast certification clinic for USA Cycling’s Race Mechanics.

Merlyn Mechanics is a custom bicycle wheel building company, providing “built-to-order” wheels to cycling fanatics, bike shops, manufacturers, frame building companies and their customers. With 30 years experience in the cycling industry, Merlyn Mechanics has constructed wheels for road, track, mountain, Cyclo-cross, ’round the world touring and has a wide range of experience with highly specialized race wheels. One of only 11, category-one, licensed race mechanics worldwide, Merlyn Mechanics has developed a unique wheel building technique that marries old world craftsmanship, with new world technology, crucial to the durability and performance of highly stressed wheels. Based in Chattanooga, TN and established in 2009, Merlyn Mechanics also offer an on-line retail shop with unique cycling related products, resources for the professional race mechanic. For more information, visit: merlynmechanics.com.

French Company Debuts New Hub Design that Offers Less Friction and Splined Cogs for Simple Gear Changes

(CHATTANOOGA, TN — APRIL 6, 2012) Merlyn Mechanics is proud to announce an exclusive national distribution agreement with Victoire Cycles. Victoire Cyclesis a French based company that focuses on high-end hubs, cogs, lockrings and stems largely for fixy and urban style bikes. All products are manufactured near their offices in Clermont-Ferrand, France and then hand polished before anodizing and laser etching. Merlyn Mechanicsis the sole U.S. importer and distributor for Victoire in the United States and will be offering an array of Victoire products available for bike shops and consumers. Currently, Victoire is making track and polo hubs, threaded and splined cogs, lockrings and stems dedicated to the art of Bike Polo. Victoire is also developing several other lines of hubs, cranks and frames to be released later in 2012.

“We’re proud to be working with Victoire Cycles. Their hubs are of the highest quality, and the finish is absolutely exquisite,” says Merlyn Townley, an industry veteran, custom wheel builder and owner of Merlyn Mechanics. “With an array of colors, drillings from 20 to 36 and custom capabilities, we think that Victoire will be a huge contribution to the hub market in the U.S.”

Founded by a group of friends, riders and mechanics, Victoire launched a product line to improve upon existing industry parts and adapt new design aesthetics for the cycling community. With some of the lightest and strongest high-flange hubsets available on the market, Victoire also offers solid materials, design and hand finishes. “Our parts are CNC machined in France so we can ensure quality production, aeronautically heat treated 7075-T6 alloy and then finally hand polished and anodized before the final laser-mark,” said Julien Leyreloup of Victoire. “We think extensive prototyping and involving ourselves in the process directly, from start to finish, ensures a premium product.”

The Victoire Product Difference:

Materials: Aero grade, 7075-T6 alloy is used for every part of the hub, which is 300% stronger than alloys most commonly used in the industry.

Manufacturing: All parts are CNC machined in France with the highest tolerances.

Hubs: Victoire centers their flanges in the middle of the hub, to provide a stronger wheel with equal tension on each spoke as well as one size spoke for both sides of the wheel. The Victoire flagship product is a High Flange front and rear hubset, weighing in at only 470 gr (205 gr front and 265 gr rear), with titanium bolts, stainless steel washers, 7075-T6 alloy spacers and hard anodized lockring (9 gr). The rear hub features a splined interface, that fixes the cog directly into the body and helps eliminate loosened cog problems. This revolutionary design allows for fast removal to easily change hub ratios. The cogs are machined from 7075-T6 alloy to keep the weight down, polished by hand to make them smoother and finally hard anodized to make them last. Victoire also offers a Low Flange front and rear hubset, weighing in at 409 gr (169 gr front and 240 gr rear), with a larger flange diameter on the drive side and a smaller one on the non-drive side, to create maximum efficiency paired with a low weight.

Spoke holes are chamfered so the head of the spoke fits perfectly into the hub body, which creates a stronger surface and increases the strength of the wheel.

Available as 28, 32 and 36 spoke holes and custom drilling available upon request.

Finishes are available in Silver and Black, with custom color options available on request.

Cogs: Designed with a splined interface to eliminate loosened thread on hubs, the interface has 16 splines and no sharp edges to distribute and diffuse the effort on all surfaces. They are available in one tooth increments from 13 to 20 teeth.

Lockrings: An essential part of fixy bike, the lockring is designed to work with either the Victoire rear hub or any track hub that use the 1.29X24 TPI left thread. Both strong and light, the Victoire lockring is larger than most models available on the market. Made with 7075-T6 alloy, it is 7mm thick, anodized to improve stiffness and can be locked with a lockring wrench or a 36mm wrench.

Stems: Dedicated to the art of Bike Polo, the S-42 stem is machined from solid block, 7075-T6 alloy and uses an innovative clamping system for easy installation. Also, weighing in at 4.8 oz, this stem is half the weight of a classic BMX stem and a short length (42 mm) for maximum maneuverability and control. Finally, eliminating the back bolt helps riders avoid knee injuries while in the field.

Victoire promises additional products to be announced in 2012, bike polo specific hubs, cranks and frames.

Merlyn Townley has 30 years experience in the cycling industry and has been a specialist in neutral support for bicycle racing since 1988. Working both as a bicycle mechanic since 1982 and providing neutral support for over 1,000 national and international races, Merlyn has represented companies such as Mavic, Shimano, Pedro’s, Campagnolo and SRAM NRS. Merlyn is also the originator of neutral support for Cyclo-cross worldwide according to the Union of Cyclists International (UCI). He has also served as a mechanic/team manager for over 20 teams worldwide, including the Dansko Woman’s Pro Team, Australian National Team, the U.S. National Team, the Japanese National Team and the MG X-Power Cycling Team. In addition, Merlyn served as head mechanic for the Odyssey 2000 cycling tour, a one-year, worldwide cycling expedition that encompassed 45 countries on six continents with 250 riders. Additional races include Mountain Bike World Championships, the Tour of Canberra, Paris/Brest/Paris, the Harold Sun Tour and the Cape Epic, among many others. One of only 11 category one licensed bicycle race mechanics worldwide, Townley has also organized and taught the East Coast certification clinic for USA Cycling’s Race Mechanics.

Merlyn Mechanics is a custom bicycle wheel building company, providing “built-to-order” wheels to cycling fanatics, bike shops, manufacturers, frame building companies and their customers. With 30 years experience in the cycling industry, Merlyn Mechanics has constructed wheels for road, track, mountain, Cyclo-cross, ’round the world touring and has a wide range of experience with highly specialized race wheels. One of only 11 category-one licensed race mechanics worldwide, Merlyn Mechanics has developed a unique wheel building technique that marries old world craftsmanship, with new world technology, crucial to the durability and performance of highly stressed wheels. Based in Chattanooga, TN and established in 2009, Merlyn Mechanics also offers an on-line retail shop with unique cycling related products, resources for the professional race mechanic. For more information, visit: merlynmechanics.com.

Victoire just announced a new hub configuration that feature EnduroZero ceramic bearings. Victorie was so impressed by the quality of the Zero Enduro bearings that now ALL of Victoire hubs will now spin on Enduro bearings. Zero ceramic and full ceramic bearings upgrades will also be available in a few weeks.

If you live in Paris, check them out in person at the famous Parisian shop, Cyclope. If you're not so lucky and live elsewhere, here's a preview of these sweet, sweet hubs.